BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1158

By: Metcalf

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been calls to include nonprofit attractions, such as a museum, monument, or park, among the attractions displayed on specific information logo signs administered by the Texas Department of Transportation, which currently include space for establishments that provide gas, food, lodging, camping, or pharmacy services. H.B. 1158 seeks to provide for the display of nonprofit attractions located within a certain distance from an interchange on an eligible highway on specific information logo signs.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Department of Transportation in SECTION 3 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1158 amends the Transportation Code to make a nonprofit attraction, including a museum, monument, or park, eligible to have its name displayed on a specific information logo sign if the attraction is located not more than three miles from an interchange on an eligible highway, with certain exceptions. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to establish by rule criteria for establishments that are eligible for inclusion as nonprofit attractions on specific information logo signs and provides for the inclusion of "ATTRACTION" and the specific names of nonprofit attractions on those signs.          

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.